Ashanti: Kente, Cultural Heritage and Lake Bosomtwe

The Ashanti Region brings together the cultural heritage of the Asante, craft traditions and nature experiences. In Kumasi, the focus is on the city’s history and museums; in Bonwire, Adanwomse and Ntonso, different textile techniques are on display. At Lake Bosomtwe, the landscape and activities on the water round out the theme. When planning a hotel stay, it is worth first deciding which of these themes you want to shape your trip.

Kumasi: City History and Cultural Heritage

Kumasi is the historic capital of the Ashanti Region and Ghana’s second-largest city. The Asantehene Osei Tutu founded it in 1695. The area’s architectural heritage is also remarkable: the ten surviving Asante Traditional Buildings are located in and around Kumasi and are among the sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.

The museums each offer a different focus. The Manhyia Palace Museum displays a battle outfit dating from 1900. The Kumasi Fort and Military Museum displays military equipment and artefacts from the British-Asante War and the Second World War. This places a dated garment alongside military objects from two historical conflicts. The Yaw Tano Shrine, also known as the Tano Yaw Shrine, is located in Ejisu-Besease.

Kente and Adinkra: Discover Craftsmanship

Bonwire is considered a leading centre of Kente weaving in Ashanti. According to a legend, two friends from Bonwire learned the art of weaving by watching a spider spin its web. In Adanwomse, a one-hour tour takes visitors through the community Kente workshop, where they can try spinning, warping and weaving. Check the visitor arrangements in advance.

Ntonso represents a different textile tradition: the town is considered the home of Adinkra cloth and Ghana’s largest producer of Adinkra. On a guided tour, visitors can learn about and try out different stages of production. These include preparing dye, dyeing fabric, Adinkra printing and embroidery. Comparing the techniques brings the distinct focus of Kente and Adinkra to life.

In Adanwomse, a culinary tour includes visits to farms, tapping palm wine and preparing traditional dishes. Tastings must be arranged before the visit. A village theatre group presents dance, drumming and storytelling; this performance must also be arranged before the visit.

Festivals and Traditions

The Akwasidae Festival honours past Akan leaders and heroes and attracts participants from around the world. Other notable festivals in the Ashanti Region include Papa, Kente, Nkyidwo and Adae Kese. These festival traditions offer another cultural focus alongside the museums and crafts.

Lake Bosomtwe: Landscape and Activities

Lake Bosomtwe is located in the Ashanti Region and is one of six UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves. Visitors can take boat trips on the lake, swim in it and hike around it. The availability of boat trips and the conditions for swimming and hiking may vary.

An information centre at Lake Bosomtwe provides information about the lake and conservation measures and can arrange boat trips. Ask locally about the centre’s current offerings and the options for boat trips.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

For your planning, you can weigh cultural and craft experiences against activities at Lake Bosomtwe: Kumasi focuses on city history and museums, while the tours in Adanwomse and Ntonso offer insights into textile-making processes. At the lake, the focus is on nature and outdoor activities. Decide which of these experiences matter to you, and tailor your search for a hotel in Ashanti to that travel theme. Remember to check the visitor arrangements in Adanwomse in advance and ask at the lake about current options.

Discover more destinations: Kumasi Metropolitan, Obuasi, Adonso, Mampong, Trede, Adukro, Konongo, Ejisu, Agona, Feyiasi.

For the main travel overview: Ghana.